Flash floods have killed at least 21 people in southern Iran : NPR
Iran Red Crescent Association via AP
TEHRAN, Iran – Flash flooding in Iran’s drought-stricken southern province of Fars has left at least 21 people dead, state television said on Saturday.
According to city governor Yousef Karegar, heavy rains have flooded the Roudbal river in the city of Estahban.
Karegar said rescue teams had rescued 55 people trapped by flash floods, but at least six people were still missing.
Floods have hit more than 10 villages in the province, he added.
Iran’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, offered condolences to the families of the flood victims, state television later reported.
Iran’s meteorological agency has warned of possible seasonal heavy rainfall across the country facing decades-long drought due to climate change. The danger of flash floods is also exacerbated by the rampant construction of buildings and roads near the riverbed.
In March 2018, a flash flood in Fars province left 44 people dead.